I really don’t like making too many posts that are firearms-related because, nominally, this blog isn’t about firearms but rather about preparedness. And while firearms are certainly a part of that, they are but a small part. Unfortunately, the free ice cream machine is clogged today and firearms posts are sort of a low-hanging fruit.
As years come on apace I am slowly moving forward in terms of firearms technology. I’ve put red dots on a couple carbines and I’ve decided I want to try out a red dot pistol. To that end, I’ve decided to assemble a moderately tweaked out G17 (or G34….haven’t decided yet). The reason for the red dot is simply for speed and increased accuracy.
I’ve learned, at some expense, that the world does throw the odd curve ball every once in a while and that when that pitch leaves the mound youre gonna want every advantage you can get. For me, that means fast(er) and (more) accurate shooting.
I’m looking at getting a Trijicon RMR. I’ve talked to several people and gotten some mixed messages regarding slides with optic cuts. Glock makes their optic-ready MOS series and my initial thought was just to pick up a 17MOS or 34MOS (which, sadly, are not available as Gen3 versions.) However, I’ve had a couple people tell me that the MOS mounting system leaves a bit to be desired and that I would be better serviced to send a regular Glock slide off and have the optics cut milled out specifically for the RMR, rather than using adaptor plates.
Another alternative, which is rapidly gaining favor with me, is to buy an aftermarket slide that is already cut for the RMR. In this manner I can have a Gen3 pistol with the optics. (It’s a personal preference thing…the Gen3, to me, is the more comfortable and reliable of all the Glock generations. Fuddlore perhaps, but I have the money to get what I want so …why not?)
Once that optic issue is in the rearview mirror the rest is simple. A quality threaded barrel, a nice trigger, suppressor-height night sites, light, and a good holster. And then loads of practice.
But, for now, the bugaboo is the optics mounting issue….after that everything else seems simple.
Have you thought of just getting an after market slide?
Sorry for some reason I must have jumped from the start to the end bad day for my Dyslexia (who had the great idea of coming up with a word meaning can not spell and making it so hard to spell?)
SAM:
Did you know that Dyslexia is an anagram for “Daily Sex”?
Huh -once a week would be a good start…
Ceejay
I picked up a brownells slide cut for an rmr and put a holosun with a circle-dot style reticle on it. Works nice and the circle helps me hunt for tbe dot less than a dot alone.
This is the direction Im thinking of going..
the holosun scs fits the gen 5 mos without a plate and will co-witness with stock sights … as soon as I can afford it, it’s what I plan putting on mine… and it comes in green dot which I think will work better with my eyes… the main issue with having a slide cut is you are stuck with that sight or sight footprint from then on
Check out the Shadow Systems MR920. I have one and I like it. It is basically a factory tricked out Glock. I am not sure what g
generation it would be though.
After losing an eye due to an industrial accident 20 years back, I had trouble using regular iron sights (I was taught to shoot with both eyes open). I asked my eye surgeon about this and he suggested using a red dot sight (he was a PJ in the AF before going to medical school). He recommended a gunsmith in AZ (no longer in business. Can’t help with that. Brownell maybe?) and I sent my Glock slide to be milled for a Trijicon RMR sight. Having used the Trijicon for over 15 years now, have absolutely no regrets. It allows me to get on target faster, reacquiring the target quicker & a lot more accurate than iron sights (I have a back up Glock, same model as the other, but irons. Using the same ammo, the RMR equipped is much more accurate for me). I think you’ll be happy with the upgrade.
I’ve been very pleased with complete slide assy’s from https://mdxarms.com/complete-slides-/
When on sale, their prices are unbeatable and the fit and finish is outstanding IMHO. The barrels are also nicely machined and very accurate. No financial interest, just a happy customer.
Off topic but are your tapco mags for the mini 14 very tight in the gun? For myself it’s a two hand problem to drop the magazine.
Havent had any problems with the Gen2 Intrafuse Tapco Mini-14 mags.
I have both G17MOS (Trijicon RMR) and a G20MOS (Holosun SCS). If using an RMR, throw away the adapter plates that come with the Glock MOS, buy a Trijicon mounting plate. If using a Holosun SCS, no plate needed, just mount directly to the slide, will co-witness with sights, suppressor sights not needed. I have zero issues. As far as sending off a slide to be milled make sure the person doing it has a solid reputation for the work. To many slides destroyed by people who thought they knew what they were doing. Also, some will only mill for the RDS that you are putting on the pistol. Just some food for thought.
Stuff you already probably know:
A direct mount is the way. Adapter plates seem to be a total shit show.
An aftermarket slide is probably the way to go. Put it on whatever Gen 3 frame ya want and keep the current slide/ barrel/ etc as a spare.
Be careful with aftermarket triggers. What’s good for a gamer gun (short and light) is bad for a carry gun.
Also be cautious about replacing a bunch of parts in general. Tolerance stacking adds up. The further you get from a bone stock Glock the less their fabled reliability applies.
That said I’m eager to see how your newest project turns out.
If the front sight co-witneses the red dot it’s easier and faster to find the dot. I’ve shot both and the co-witnes is the way to go
Holosun products are wildly popular and far more economical, but the idea of putting a Chinese optic on my personal firearm still rubs me the wrong way. It seems inconsistent to refuse to shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods because of its anti-2A stance, but then give money to Chinese communists by buying their underpriced gear and proudly sporting it on my carry pistol.
Some gun slides are cut only for Holosuns (looking at you, FN Reflex), but if given the choice I’ll pay the extra for American-made Trijicon or Eotech. Or may at least Swedish-made Aimpoint.
It is my understanding that the the more popular Holosun models share the same footprint as the RMR.
Yes, however the Holosun SCS is pistol specific.
The 507C and 510C are both produced in the US.
Yes, however the parent company is still Chinese, and that’s where the profits go.
Can not live in a vacuum! The raw components for most medications come from China. Most everything in Walmart and Costco comes from China or Commie Vietnam even. Hard to find much of anything these days that is not connected to China in some way. It is just the reality we have to work with after our politicians allow all of our manufacturing to go to China. I do not like anymore then you!!
Just want to second the Holosun SCS. It’s very nice.
Don’t take this the wrong way Zero but for a guy who says guns and related firearms accessories are a “ small part”of preparedness you sure have enough of them. ( especially Ruger series 89/90/ and whatever other number they had back then ) .
Following. The readership has excellent input in this subject matter. I will have to evolve a pistol or two with rmr type sighting systems for performance aids in low light and those various new evolving scenarios of spicy encounters out there these days. I am in the camp of not larding up a gun with too many add on or hot rod parts replacements in a gun oracle quest adventure. Off track, however Keep it simple, as everything down to your underwear choices will be subject to an after shooting investigation by those smiling and friendly investigators handling your case. Your case, as in you being investigated as a suspect and handled accordingly no matter how righteous your belief the shoot went down. Yeah Bubba, cause Bubba is always right in those .gov matters, maybe your gun, and gear carried, and clothing attire your photograpphed in for your case file, and your impounded cellphone with data is not going to be entered in the case because maybe your a good guy and all, but then again. Those .gov adjudicators that have power systems under fifth columnists control are easily bought and infiltrated. Those are your other adversaries you must contend with out there beyond normal crime scumbaggery, so plan as much for those after shoot elements, as much as adding accessories to your guns. Evolve those guns as necessary, but ensure your operating prudently in the evolved legal, criminal code, and social constructs that are ever present as well. Keeping all of the hostile targets sighted in, so as to stay frosty.
None of those things happened the last time I shot somebody.
I used to love dot sights, but then I developed astigmatism after some eye surgery. Instead of a dot, I see a “comet” or a “star.” I can sorta use one, with the brightness as low as possible, but accuracy is not great. I can use a prism sight on AR carbines and PDW-type firearms, but it seems there’s no optic for carry pistols that I can use. On holster pistols, I rely on plain black iron sights.
I COULD go really old school–like the 1980s–and put a Burris 1x pistol scope on a magnum revolver or a full-size semiauto, but that’s a setup for hunting and not really suitable for carry at all, unless you’re Arnold Schwarzenegger, or you’re in a science fiction movie from the 1980s.
I’d be grateful for any suggestions!
I always enjoy your posts, and in this case have something to add.
I now carry every day either a G17-5MOS or G19-4MOS, both with Holosun SCS-MOS direct-mounted to the unmodified slide. As mentioned by a previous commenter, this removes the failure point of a plate mount. It also lowers the sight enough to make it less obtrusive and to permit cowitness with standard height sights. It really is much more usable.
In the past I have used both a Trijicon RMR and a Holosun 507C on a G19 with adapter plates and suppressor height sights, and they are not as useful.
Also, the RMR requires the removal of the sight to replace the battery. The SCS has an non-removable internal battery charged by a solar cell.
I’ve had no problems with any of these except the battery change on the RMR. The SCS has green dot (2moa), circle, and circle-dot reticles, and automatically adjusts to ambient light.
Hope that’s helpful.
My comment:
I bought a M-18/P320 with the Sig red dot attached. I’m in my 60’s. I’ve been looking for front sight posts on pistols for 40 years. I wear glasses with progressive lenses.
I find it very difficult to acquire the red dot on the gun. I have had and do have red dots on rifles, carbines, and even a shotgun. No problem. Pistol? Problem.
I recommend shooting one just to see how it is if you are a geezer like me.
I am just a few years younger than you and wear glasses for distance and reading. So, age is not really the issue here, it is learning how to acquire the dot during presentation. I am also a RDS instructor and recommend you finding a qualified RDS instructor in your area that can help you with the transition. Once there you will love it. One thing I love about RDS pistols is if I lose my glasses (Tech) during the heat of battle, I can still see my dot, whereas my irons are complete blur. Also, keep both eyes open when using a RDS pistol, a lot of people will close their non-dominant eye like they are using iron. Again, find a good RDS instructor who can stair step the learning of a pistol equipped with RDS with you.